Said he to the Council about him, 'Surely this man is a cunning sorcerer 34 “He wishes to expel you out of your land by his magic; so what is your advice?” 35 They said, "Let him and his brother wait a while, and send heralds into the cities, 36 to bring every knowledgeable sorcerer' 37 So the sorcerers were assembled for the appointed time of a fixed day. 38 And it was said to the people, “Have you (also) gathered?” 39 Haply we shall follow the sorcerers if it should be they are the victors.' 40 "When the magicians came, they asked the Pharaoh, "Will there be any reward for us if we win?" 41 He said: "Yea, (and more),- for ye shall in that case be (raised to posts) nearest (to my person)." 42 Musa said unto them: cast whatsoever ye have to cast. 43 So they threw their ropes and their sticks, and said: "By the might of Fir'aun (Pharaoh), it is we who will certainly win!" 44 Then Moses threw down his staff, and lo, it swallowed up their conjurations. 45 The magicians fell down in adoration 46 And said: "We (affirm and) believe in the Lord of all the worlds, 47 the Sustainer of Moses and Aaron!" 48 He (Pharaoh) said: 'You have believed him before I have given you permission. He is the chief of you who has taught you sorcery. But you shall know. I will surely cut off on opposite sides a hand and a foot, and crucify you all.' 49 They said: "We do not care, for we are bound to return to our Lord, 50 Verily we long that our Lord shall forgive us our faults because we have been the first of the believers 51